Patriots wide receiver N’Keal Harry among eight players absent from start of Wednesday’s training camp practice

The New England Patriots returned to the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium on Wednesday for their third straight day of practice. The first notable development came before the session, which takes place in shells as opposed to the full pads from the last two days, was even really kicked off: second-year wide receiver N’Keal Harry was among eight players not spotted for the start of practice.

Harry was present the previous two days and did not suffer any visible injuries, but still was a no-show for Wednesday’s session.

“I learned that in the NFL, you have to prove yourself day in and day out,” the 22-year-old said during a media conference call following Tuesday’s training camp practice. “This is a league where nothing is given to you, you earn everything day by day. That’s my approach coming into this season, and that’s my approach stepping on to the field every day.”

The reason for Harry’s absence is not known at this point in time, but the situation is obviously not ideal for a player who missed a big portion of his rookie season on temporary injured reserve and is looking to establish himself as a starting-caliber wide receiver in a Patriots offense desperately looking for playmakers. That all being said, there is still a long way to go in the process for Harry to get some momentum going.

First, however, he will have to return to the field.

The other players not spotted at the start of today’s training camp session are as follows:

DT Beau Allen, LB Tashawn Bower, WR N’Keal Harry, RB Sony Michel (Active/PUP), RB Lamar Miller (Active/PUP), LB Derek Rivers, WR Jeff Thomas, LB Anfernee Jennings

Derek Rivers, a fourth-year linebacker who is also trying to come back from an injury-riddled 2019 campaign, is another new addition to the list. The other players were all absent during yesterday’s session as well.

Another absentee not listed above is special teamer Brandon King. The veteran was moved to the Reserve/PUP list earlier this month, and will therefore miss the first six weeks of the season.